https://www.pugetsystems.com

Quality Control

The quality of any company's product is dependant on proper control procedures. Our 119 point quality control system ensures that your machine receives all the attention needed to make sure you get what you paid for! See below for a list of all the checkpoints your computer must pass though:

Build / Assembly

Review work order and build notes

We review the order and notes to ensure that any special build requests are performed.

Check parts and serial numbers

Before starting assembly on your system, we verify that we have all the correct parts and everything is accounted for.

Test the power supply for correct voltage levels

Using a tester, we check your power supply for basic functionality and correct output voltages before connecting it to any system components. For systems using an external A/C adapter, we use a voltmeter to check that the output voltage is correct.

Check for POST of MB/CPU/RAM

We check your motherboard, processor, and system memory for correct basic operation before integration into the system chassis, allowing us to catch any major issues early in the build process.

Test onboard video outputs (if applicable)

We test any onboard video outputs your motherboard may have and make sure they work correctly.

Update system BIOS to newest version

We update your motherboard's BIOS to the most recent stable release provided by the manufacturer and approved by Puget Systems.

Assemble the rest of the system, verify all parts

Your system is assembled! We also double check all the parts on your order at this step, to make sure they are all correct, present and accounted for.

Check for POST of fully completed system

With assembly fully completed, we make sure that the system still turns on and boots correctly.

Verify correct CPU and memory settings

We check that your CPU is running at the expected frequency and your system memory is running at the manufacturer recommended settings for best stability and performance.

Set QFan and fan monitor settings (if applicable)

We check that the motherboard's fan ramping options are set appropriately for the system configuration.

Set boot order

We check that your system's boot device priority is set appropriately.

Disable any unnecessary onboard devices

We will disable any integrated devices that are not used in your system as configured. This may include items like onboard audio, serial port controllers, etc.

Verify any unsecured cabling is hot glued

We use hot glue on any delicate connections to help keep them from becoming disconnected during shipping.

Verify pre-wiring (if applicable)

We make sure that any requested pre-wiring for drives or add-in cards is in place. Additionally, for our more user-serviceable chassis, we ensure every system is wired for at least two hard disks to allow for easy addition of storage to single-drive configurations.

Install GPU Brace (if applicable)

For larger video cards we install an additional support brace to help protect your system from shipping damage and from sagging over time.

Install CPU brace (if applicable)

If possible, we will install a custom CPU cooler support brace to help protect your system during shipping.

Bundle accessories

Before moving on to initial testing we bundle any necessary accessories with your system and check the work area to make sure we haven't left anything out.

Review of assembled system

Your assembled system is reviewed by another member of the production team to check for quality and accuracy.

Phase 1 Testing

Verify all fans are spinning at desired RPM/Test fan controller

We check that all system fans spin up and operate with the intended settings. For fans connected to a chassis controller, we check that they operate correctly on all settings of the controller.

Test Reset Button (If Applicable)

We check that your chassis' reset button (if it has one) is connected and functional.

Verify front LED functionality

We check that any appropriate chassis indicator lights, such as power or disk activity LEDs, are connected and functioning as expected.

Run hard drive test

We run a quick test of any hard disks in your system in order to catch any major defects before OS installation. Your drives will be put through additional testing during system benchmarks.

Run memory test

We run an initial test on your CPU and RAM to check for errors that could lead to instability or a corrupted OS install.

Install / Setup

Check order instructions

We check for any special instructions there may be for your order to ensure that the system is configured exactly how you want it.

Install base operating system

Your hard drive is installed with a base level install of the operating system, which is later customized to your order.

Install / update device drivers

All the most recent drivers (downloaded from the manufacturer) are loaded for your devices.

Check partition sizes

We make sure that all your hard drives are correctly partitioned, and that any special instructions about partition sizes are followed.

Synchronize time with server

Your time is synchronized with an atomic US government clock.

Install approved Windows updates

All Windows updates and service packs are applied.

Install all software and updates

All software on your invoice is installed and any applicable update packs are applied.

Update optical drive firmware (if applicable)

Your optical drive firmware is updated as applicable, to ensure best media compatibility.

Copy feedback icon to desktop

A link is placed on your desktop to leave feedback about your computer.

Run Windows Experience Index (if applicable)

Windows Experience Index gives the computer a score that is used to determine which features (such as Aero in Windows 7) should be enabled by default.

Verify purchased software loads properly (if applicable)

We run any purchased software to verify that it loads correctly.

Verify front ports (USB, firewire, eSATA, sound)

All front ports on your case are verified to be functional. In some cases, it is not possible for all ports to be active (ie, if you have a sound card with no front audio support, we cannot hook it up to the front sound port on a case).

Verify floppy drive, optical drive, card reader

All removable drives are confirmed to be included in My Computer.

Partition and format external hard drives (if applicable)

Any purchased external hard drives are configured for use out of the box, with the exception of Western Digital MyBook drives, which are required to be configured by the end user.

Optimize Windows settings for SSD (if applicable)

We optimize the operating system settings for your solid state drives using the appropriate software (i.e. Samsung Magician or Intel SSD Toolbox) and verify that the firmware version is current.

Test touchpad sensitivity (if applicable)

With laptops, we specifically test the touchpad to make sure the sensitivity is properly calibrated and free from hardware defects.

Check special notebook functions (if applicable)

At this step, we test some specific functions to laptops:
1) Wireless continues to function on battery power
2) ALL special physical hotkeys function
3) ALL function keys across numeric row function
4) Integrated accessories (ie, mic, webcam, fingerprint reader)
5) Bluetooth can pair with a device

Phase 2 Testing

Double check system specs

Your system specs are double checked for any mistakes, using an automated utility we have built that not only checks for the right parts, but that they are configured correctly.

Test standby mode and power off

We put your system into standby and back, and turn system completely off and back on, to verify normal behavior.

Test wireless connection (if applicable)

If your configuration includes wireless, we check for normal reception.

Test DVD-RW burning

If you have a DVDRW drive, we burn a short movie to a DVD to test the drive. This DVD is next used to verify DVD movie playback.

Play movie DVD

We play a movie DVD in your drive to confirm drive functionality, as well as codec installation. DVD playback software is installed if needed. Not applicable if you do not order a DVD drive.

Check for sound output

Your sound card is confirmed to output sound.

Stress Test

We run a combination of Prime95 and Furmark to stress your system far beyond typical loads.

CrystalDiskMark

We run CrystalDiskMark to benchmark the read/write speeds of all your hard drives.

Cinegy Cinescore

Cinegy Cinescore covers a fair number of commonly used formats and codecs and measures the encoding speed as well as the system load for doing that for the different target resolutions - SD, HD, UHD and 8K.

CineBench

CINEBENCH is a real-world cross platform test suite that evaluates your computer's performance capabilities. CINEBENCH is based on MAXON's award-winning animation software CINEMA 4D, which is used extensively by studios and production houses worldwide for 3D content creation

OctaneBench

OctaneBench is a benchmarking utility based on OctaneRender (a popular GPU-based rendering engine). This benchmark evaluates the rendering performance of your GPU(s)

V-Ray Renderer (if applicable)

V-Ray is commercial plug-in for third-party 3D computer graphics software applications and is used for visualizations and computer graphics. This benchmark evaluates both CPU and GPU performance when using V-Ray

Corona Renderer

Corona Renderer is a new high-performance (un)biased photorealistic renderer. The standalone benchmark evaluates CPU performance when using this rendering engine

System Test Suite

We run a variety of tests to benchmark various aspects of your system. These benchmarks include wireless signal strength tests, Euler3d, Lame Encoding, Windows Media Encoding, and WinRar compression/extraction.

Unigine Heaven 4

Unigine Heaven is a game simulation which we use to test the 3d graphics performance of your system. Using the built-in benchmarking utility, we run through a variety of resolutions and settings and measure the frames per second.

Unigine Superposition (if applicable)

Unigine Superposition is used to evaluate system performance in DX11 applications at display resolutions including 1080p, 4K, and 8K.

Geekbench

Geekbench provides a comprehensive set of benchmarks engineered to quickly and accurately measure processor and memory performance.

Windows Experience Index (if applicable)

CPU Frequency Test (if applicable)

WE verify that the CPU is running at the proper frequencies when various cores are under load

Linpack (if applicable)

LINPACK consists of the number of 64-bit floating-point operations to measure the peak theoretical performance of your CPU measured in floating point operations per seconds (FLOPS)

NBody CUDA (if applicable)

The Nbody CUDA benchmark is used to verify the maximum theoretical compute performance of NVIDIA-based video cards

LAME MP3 Encoder (if applicable)

LAME MP3 Encoder is used to test system performance when encoding MP3 audio files

Upload benchmarks and temperature logs

All the benchmarks taken during the phase 2 testing process are recorded on our server, providing you with benchmark scores, and providing us with statistical information that will help us assist future customers. We also upload our temperature logs, giving you a baseline you can compare to after you receive the system.

Quality Control

Review build log

We review the entire build log for your machine.

Verify condition of chassis

We give the system a physical inspection to ensure there are no scratches / blemishes.

Verify the Puget order number label is correct.

We make sure that the serial number we label on your system is correct.

Check BIOS settings / OC profile

We double check all Bios settings to ensure build performance, and verify that settings are saved for future use.

Verify all parts are present and installed correctly

We re-check the computer to make sure everything is present and installed.

Verify documented license keys match physical copies (if applicable)

We re-check that documented and installed software license keys match with the physical copies packaged with your system.

Ensure rear IO shield is properly mounted (if applicable)

When installing a motherboard, the rear IO shield can sometimes seat improperly. We check to make sure it is correct.

Verify fan orientations

We review your system fan orientation, and make any corrections that might be necessary to implement an optimal cooling strategy.

Check for loose or missing screws

We give another check to your screws, to make sure they're all secure. Looks can be deceiving, so we check manually.

Ensure all items are secure (esp. heavy components)

To make sure the computer is prepared for shipping, we double-check the solidity of the items inside, especially the heaver ones like video cards or CPU heatsinks.

Check hot glue for neatness (if applicable)

We use hot glue to secure certain items -- at this step, we make sure it is tidy and not over-applied.

Check any high risk heatsink mountings (if applicable)

We check any heatsinks that are large enough to risk being seated improperly, to make sure they are both secure, and make good contact with the chip they are cooling.

Verify all PCI cards are seated in their slots evenly (if applicable)

We make sure your PCI cards are square in their slots. Uneven seating could be due to a partially unseated card, or even an out-of-square chassis.

Ensure machine is built to customer expectations

We look at all notes put on the order by your sales rep, and make sure the machine is built with your requirements in mind. This might mean tuning the fans (if you emphasized you wanted it quiet), checking drive placements, etc.

Check certification and case modifications.

We double check to make sure your Puget certified system has all case mods that apply to your certification, and verify all branding has been applied to the case.

Make sure all accessories are present

Many of your components come with accessories, manuals, CD, or adapters. We make sure they're all present.

Double check partitioning and/or multiple OS instructions.

We review any provided instructions regarding partitioning and multiple OS installs, to make sure the machine is set up per your instructions.

Check user / computer names

We will make sure the username and computer name are both correct. By default, the username will be the customer's first name, and the computer name will be "Puget" followed by your the order number.

Record wattage draw under idle and load

We record the wattage draw of your system under idle and load, and check that against your power supply to make sure it is appropriate.

Run machine load test, and investigate for hot spots

Not all hot spots have temperature sensors. We run your computer under full load, and use a thermal probe to make sure there are no hot spots that aren't logged.

Take idle/load thermal images (if applicable)

We use our thermal camera to take pictures of the system at idle and under load to check for any unexpected hotspots.

Test any ports not tested during production

Any ports that are not already tested in the course of the build or installation of your machine are tested at this step.

Test as thoroughly as possible any special cards (if applicable)

Some non-standard or special order cards do not have standard tests during our install process. Those cards are manually tested.

Verify functionality of notebook-specific features (if applicable).

We test all of the integrated peripherals on your notebook to ensure their functionality.

Test secondary video outputs

We verify that all video outputs are functioning correctly. If your machine has SLI, we specifically have to take it out of SLI to test the output ports on the secondary video card.

Verify functionality of alternate networking adapters (if applicable)

Since our install process only uses one network adapter, we now test all other adapters (some computers have two LAN ports), including KillerNIC cards and wireless.

Check for any recent known issues

We keep detailed logs of failure rates of all our components. Anything with recent known issues is carefully checked to make sure the issue is not present.

Verify standby functionality

We check for standby functionality one more time -- as we have found it to be quite problematic with certain configurations.

Verify proper post and boot-up with USB device attached

Some computers do not boot up properly when there is a USB device (ie, a USB thumb drive) attached. We make sure this is not an issue.

Review temperature logs for proper levels

We review the temperature logs taken during your system benchmarking, and identify anything unusual.

Compare benchmarks to expected results

To make sure your computer performs as expected, we check your benchmarks against those of similar machines.

Review the windows event log

We review the windows event log for any errors we do not expect (some errors are normal, specifically before all drivers are installed).

Verify all updates are applied

We make sure OS updates and anti-virus show all current updates installed.

Verify proper responsiveness from the OS

We verify proper responsiveness from the OS (start menu, control panel, application loading).

Verify proper laptop battery drain rate (if applicable)

We make sure your laptop battery is performing as expected.

Verify proper out of box experience

We reboot your computer one last time and make sure your first experience is as we would like it.

Record approximate bootup time

As the machine reboots, we record the boot time, so we have a number to compare to later if you have any problems.

Record any additional testing performed (if applicable)

If we performed any other tests, we record them for our benefit and yours.

Defragment all platter drives

We defragment all traditional/platter hard drives. Defrag is not run on solid-state disks.

Clean up installation

We perform one final clean-up of your installation, so Windows is clean and ready to use!

Cap secondary video outputs (if applicable)

If your system is configured with a discrete video card, we cover the onboard video ports to prevent mistakenly connecting to these secondary outputs.

Packing / Shipping

Create Restore media (if applicable)

We include System Restore media with all Windows machines.

Take BIOS screenshots (if applicable)

We take screenshots of each page of the BIOS settings. Does not apply to laptops.

Affix COA to chassis (if applicable)

Your Windows COA is attached to your case.

Take pictures of the system

We take pictures of each system before we ship.

Verify power cord is present

We double check to make sure you have a power cord!

Include invoice and packet

A full packet of information, including registration information, contact information, and benchmark information is printed. Also, an invoice and business card packet is included.

Verify Tools disk is included with system

We include a Tools disk to assist in the diagnosis of any problem the system may have in the future

Include Puget Stress Cube

Getting stressed out? Grab your stress cube and give us a call!

Clean any smudges from the chassis

Since the computer has been handled, we ensure it is clean as a last step before boxing it up.

Check that all peripherals are present

We double check that all peripherals are included with your system

Check latest shipping/Internal notes

We look at all notes put on the order by your sales rep, and make sure the machine is built and shipped with your requirements in mind. This might mean adjusting shipping methods at the last minute as requested by your sales represenitive.

Create shipping tag and attach to box

Your order number is placed into our shipping system, and a tag is generated and placed on your boxes to prevent the possibility of mixup before your boxes receive a shipping label.

Include a packing slip (if applicable)

A packing slip is added to the outside of boxes on all requested and purchase orders.

Install Instapak (if applicable)

If we are concerned about the possibility of shipping damage, we will install special foam packing inside the case to help hold the components in place.

Sample Benchmarks

Benchmarking - 07/28/16 12:40 PM

Note: The temperatures shown above were recorded during the benchmark process, when the temperatures are the highest. They are taken directly from the hardware sensors, which means that differences in calibration may lead to inaccuracy in the readings relative to each other. This graph is intended to show you the normal readings of your hardware temperatures, so you have a baseline to compare to when you receive your computer. Remember that a difference in ambient temperature will have an effect on the temperature of all your components.

System TestWe run various tests not covered by Performance Test to benchmark various aspects of your computer.

Test

Settings

Result

Corona 1.3 Benchmark

BTR Scene 16 passes

174 Seconds

CUDA Nbody Bandwidth - Device to Device

Quadro M6000 24GB

260010.7 MB/s

CUDA Nbody Bandwidth - Device to Host

Quadro M6000 24GB

12469.1 MB/s

CUDA Nbody Bandwidth - Host to Device

Quadro M6000 24GB

11678.9 MB/s

CUDA Nbody Double-Precision GFLOP/s

Quadro M6000 24GB (CUDA 5.2)

171.031 GFLOP/s

CUDA Nbody Single-Precision GFLOP/s

Quadro M6000 24GB (CUDA 5.2)

2642.405 GFLOP/s

Euler3d

Benchmark

7.427 Hz

Handbrake 0.9.5

103MB .wmv to MP4 encoding

35.15 seconds

Lame 3.98.2

59.97MB .wav to .mp3 encoding

14.83 seconds

LinPack

25000 Problem Size

309.7607 GFlops

LinPack

30000 Problem Size

313.3648 GFlops

LinPack

35000 Problem Size

315.0221 GFlops

POV-Ray 3.7.0

Benchmark

2438.78 PPS

Wireless Signal Strength (2.4GHz)

50ft line of sight | 802.11n | Broadco...

87 %

Wireless Signal Strength (2.4GHz)

75ft through 3 walls | 802.11g | Broad...

20 %

Wireless Signal Strength (5GHz)

15ft line of sight | 802.11ac | Broadc...

87 %

Geekbench 3Geekbench 3 provides a comprehensive set of benchmarks engineered to quickly and accurately measure processor and memory performance.

Section

Benchmark

Result

Overall Multi-Core Scores

Floating Point

29067

Overall Multi-Core Scores

Geekbench Score

23137

Overall Multi-Core Scores

Integer

26192

Overall Multi-Core Scores

Memory

5167

Overall Single-Core Scores

Floating Point

4062

Overall Single-Core Scores

Geekbench Score

3823

Overall Single-Core Scores

Integer

4088

Overall Single-Core Scores

Memory

2816

Unigine Heaven 4Heaven Benchmark 4 is a DirectX 11 GPU benchmark based on advanced Unigine engine. It puts heavy load on advanced features of your video card, and supports DirectX 9, DirectX 10, DirectX 11 and OpenGL 4.0. It is a great way to stress test the GPU and test its more advanced features.

PCMark 8 Creative SuitePCMark is a very popular benchmark tool developed by Futuremark to test the performance of a PC at the system and component level. In most cases the tests in PCMark are designed to represent typical user workloads. The PCMark 8 Creative benchmark includes workloads typical of enthusiasts and professionals who work with media and entertainment content, including web browsing, photo editing, video editing, group video chat, media transcoding, and gaming workloads.

Test

Settings

Result

Benchmark Duration

Default

2748 seconds

Batch Photo Editing v2

Default

14.19434 seconds

Mainstream Gaming part 1

Default

141.38454 fps

Mainstream Gaming part 2

Default

63.61134 fps

Music To Go

Default

5.51933 seconds

Photo Editing v2

Default

0.18009 seconds

Video Editing part 1 v2

Default

5.57334 seconds

Video Editing part 2 v2

Default

11.35003 seconds

Video Group Chat v2 / Video Group Chat encoding v2

Default

35.66667 ms

Video Group Chat v2 / Video Group Chat playback 1 v2

Default

29.98787 fps

Video Group Chat v2 / Video Group Chat playback 2 v2

Default

30.00625 fps

Video Group Chat v2 / Video Group Chat playback 3 v2

Default

29.98732 fps

Video To Go part 1

Default

7.04133 seconds

Video To Go part 2

Default

8.25367 seconds

Web Browsing - Amazonia

Default

0.13372 seconds

Web Browsing - JunglePin

Default

0.31634 seconds

Read what our customers have to say about our quality control!

Kendra Yourtee

From Seattle

5 months ago

"System arrived early, in pristine condition. The cable work was the best I've ever seen! And the problems I had (which I caused) were swiftly fixed. The customer support is top notch.

Seriously, this is a GREAT experience. Kudos to Puget Systems."

David Aslesen

From Orfordville, WI

8 months ago

"This is the first one of three video workstations that I've bought in the last 10 years that is acceptably quiet. The other two I've bought from other vendors had fans that ended up sounding like tanks. I did go with the quiet fans and case modifications just to be sure, but it would probably be quiet even without those. Excellent, relevant research articles and advice. Fun to see the 'real-time' progress in assembly and test. Would definitely recommend."

Bobbi McDonald

From Post Falls, Idaho

one year ago

"I am so amazed by this company. I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted and I was able to talk to someone who guided me in the exact computer that I needed. Then after I ordered it, their web site kept me updated to exactly what they were doing during the building stages, and through it all. It didn't take more than just a few business days to have the computer built. Then when they shipped it, it arrived in just 24 hrs. It was tightly package, and had no damage. It is sharp looking and works amazing. I am so excited to get to know my new system. I just got it today in the mail, and it is put together here in america. Thank you to Puget Custom Computers!"

Seth Tebockhorst

one year ago

"Very positive purchasing experience. I went back on forth via email with a single person who understood my questions and provided thoughtful answers and suggestions (most of which would lower the price of the computer). As an example of the kind of customer service they provide, they offered to pre-wire the machine for an additional hard or have me mail it in to them to install with the build (they offered to same for my old sound card). I went with the pre-wire for the hard drive and it was done neatly and in a way that was very easy for me to access and plop my hard drive in. They sent a good amount of documentation including helpful tips on setting up the computer and a usb recovery drive. What is clear from my experience is that they really try to go the extra mile and I have nothing but positive things to say."

Jason

From Philadelphia, PA

one year ago

"This is my second computer purchase from Puget--my first was almost nine years ago. Nine years ago I had a different job, a different car, a different waist size...

Not everything that you buy lasts. Sometimes that's okay. The batteries in your TV remote won't last long. But when you really spend on something, you'd prefer to benefit from it for years to come.

Puget systems are built to last. The assembly, quality control, and attention to detail (among other things) are to thank. When you purchase a computer from Puget, one of the checkpoints is literally "Clean any smudges from the chassis". C'mon. Buy from Puget."

Brian Gildea

From Massachusetts

one year ago

"I am completely astounded with how amazing this company is. While I found my computer to be a tad bit pricey, I am never buying from a different computer company again. And I would recommend this company to anyone in a heartbeat.

Not only are their products top quality, but their workmanship is wonderful. My computer is wonderfully build and runs so smoothly. Its more than I could have asked for.

Also they have the best customer service I have ever seen. As someone who has always gone with big name computer companies like Dell and Toshiba previously, I DREADED contacting customer support. So far with my two times contacting Puget customer support, they have been quick, knowledgeable, sincere, nice, and treats you like a normal person, not someone who doesn't even know what a computer is (however they still make everything understandable to everyone).

I can not stress enough that you should buy from Puget systems if you want a seriously high quality computer from a seriously amazing company."

Theresa McGuire

From Baltimore

2 years ago

"My workstation is my tool. I needed a new one and could not find exactly what I was looking for until I found Puget Systems. They built me a custom computer that is high performance, silent and very cool. There is lots of room for expansion and it is beautiful inside the case. The customer service was great from help with evaluating my order to watching the building and testing process on their website. My machine was delivered safely and the packaging kept it safe. I may not need it, but Puget provides lifetime labor and tech support."

Stan Sheets

2 years ago

"I ordered a system with an Intel i5, Noctua NH-U125 cpu cooler, and a SSD in the Fractal Design case. It is absolutely silent. All the components are first rate. I use Linux and you just can't buy a computer with it installed from a lot of companies. Puget gives you the choice of operating systems. Also the Fractal Design case is excellent. Inside there are just no cables lying around disrupting air flow. The power supply is modular and you can route cables behind the motherboard tray. Try buying something like this from Dell. Ha! The single criticism I've read of Puget is that they are somewhat pricey. Well I totaled up the cost of all the components in my system bought from Amazon. Puget had what I consider a quite reasonable markup. If I had put it together myself, I would have had to worry about getting a bad motherboard, a bad power supply, or perhaps bad memory. Well returning these things is always a hassle. Plus, the testing they do is rigorous. Not to mention the installation of the operating system with everything updated. The bios too. When I consider the time it would have taken me to put it together plus the possibility of mistakes, the extra money put out for them to do it expertly is a no brainer. It is too easy for some companies to serve you "mystery meat" components. Take my advice and support a company who does it right."

Konstantin Baranov

From Bellevue

2 years ago

"Everything is good. They are ready to talk and help you make the right choice. I got couple of useful ideas despite I'm not a noob :) They have wide but not overwhelming choice of hardware. But if you're extra picky, they don't push you to buy everything from them. They didn't even ask why I don't buy a display. Assembly quality is high. I wouldn't be that patient with all the wires if I had to assemble it myself."

Nicholas Williams

From Chicago

2 years ago

"I wanted to take this opportunity to thank, as well as praise, Puget Systems, their sales personnel, their technicians and their management team for their professionalism, communication skills, patience and expertise in the area of providing the electronics consumer - in particular those in need of quality and tailor made personal computers - a product that the procurer can use, feel confident in and know that they had a hand in its design.

I am a small business owner who requires computer electronics that are dedicated to the work that our company does, equipment that is powerful, reliable and consistent in how it helps us run our company. We are dependent on those systems working flawlessly, require little or no downtime and devoid of the need to maintain an on premise IT professional, let alone one that we must contract for. Those issues were in the forefront of our minds after years and years of purchasing Dell equipment, peripherals and support from a once great company that has been putting out inferior and boilerplate electronic systems at inflated prices for years. Being locked into a finite warranty, poor customer service, poor communications with support, plenty of misunderstandings during consultation and requests for assistance is no fun and ultimately quite expensive in the long run.
That is why we decided to try a company that custom builds - in consult with the customer - a personal computer or system that meets the needs of the customer, avoids the bloatware and unneeded add-ons, not to mention the technical problems and breakdowns that mark the experience we have had with Dell over a period exceeding 20 years. We needed a system that utilized a variety of components, all of which were tested to be capable and reliable, combined in a cabinet of choice, not a limited choice of parameters and hardware.

Puget systems, I'm happy to say, met our needs ... and then some. Without going into detail, let me say that Puget systems - in particular Wilson Chau, my salesperson - was courteous, knowledgeable, patient and understanding. He maintained communication with me, mostly through over 40 emails, over a period of weeks - answering questions, addressing some of the most mundane issues and major concerns regarding the design, components, potential expansion of the system, cost and shipping of my order. And then when we (actually I) had settled on the final proposal and design, was preparing to complete the transaction, an unanticipated problem arose - on my end - forcing me to cancel the order even after things were finalized.

Mr. Chau and Puget systems understood the occasional glitch that does occur in business, allowed me to obtain a full refund, cancel the order, but still maintain the details of the order on their site so that I might purchase same once the "glitch" was addressed. I believe that the manner in which they dealt with me during that difficult time is indicative of their professionalism and understanding of their customer's needs.

Needless to say that after a few weeks I renewed my order - with one major change suggested by Mr. Chau - completed the transaction without fanfare, and awaited delivery of my system.

I was impressed with the information - including photos of thermal imaging, testing results as well as step by step updates on the build process - provided to me about my system. There was clear and concise information provided about shipping, tracking and delivery which, by the way, was two to three days sooner than anticipated.
Upon arrival, I discovered that the system was well packaged to avoid damage during shipping. It was easy to unpack and there were easy to understand instructions provided, along with a detailed manual accompanying the system that lays out testing parameters/results at each level of production. All cables and related hardware, including a start-up/repair disc, were included in the package.

I was even more impressed to discover just how quiet my new system is. It sports a Solid State hard drive which is so quiet that I find myself looking to see if the system is actually on. This system is fast, does not get particularly warm, and responds like no other system I have owned in the past. Physically, the system is impressive and considerably larger in actual size than what I have owned in the past from the larger computer manufacturers. But given its ability to expand with additional drives, memory and internal hardware, it is worth it. What's more, you can see obvious care and attention to detail in the cabling, the installation of hardware and the quality of the internal components. Its like comparing a BMW or Mercedes-Benz to an Oldsmobile or Pontiac (and, no, the fact that those latter companies are no longer in business is not lost on me).

I can't recall a time in the past when I felt so involved in the choice of components and options when making a major product investment - including purchasing a factory ordered vehicle - than I have during this experience. I am totally satisfied with every aspect of the service and product provided by Puget Systems. I would recommend them to anyone who wanted control over the design and build of a quality computer system for their personal use or business.

And, truth be told, I am now preparing to place another order with Puget Systems since our business is in the process of expanding, something that would require a quality computer system or server.

I would never purchase another Dell or similar product off the assembly line for any of my future computing needs. Custom builds from Puget Systems is the way to go!"